n. (pl. fungi or funguses) 1 any of a group of unicellular, multicellular, or multinucleate non-photosynthetic organisms feeding on organic matter, which include moulds, yeast, mushrooms, and toadstools. 2 anything similar usu. growing suddenly and rapidly. 3 Med. a spongy morbid growth. 4 sl. a beard. fungal adj. fungiform adj. fungivorous adj.
[ L, perh. f. Gk sp(h)oggos SPONGE ]